Comprehensive Evaluation of Blind and Low Vision Students During COVID-19: A Guidance Document

By Ting Siu

The Comprehensive Evaluation of Blind and Low Vision Students During COVID-19:  A Guidance Document is a collaboration of past and present faculty at San Francisco State University, the California School for the Blind, and California State University Los Angeles.

The purpose of this document is to provide resources for Teachers of Blind and Visually Impaired Students (TVIs) and Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) during a unique time of remote and hybrid instruction. It provides a summary of the legal and ethical guidelines as mandated by California and federal orders, an overview of methods required for evaluations, and considerations for in-person and virtual assessments.  The document is not intended to replace comprehensive evaluations that meet professional standards of excellence, but rather to provide immediate guidance during this health crisis.

Table of Contents

• Purpose of This Guidance Document

1. Need for Evaluation and Relevant State and Federal Guidelines
   • Introduction
   • Q1: What is the impact of school site closures on special education monitoring timelines and processes?
2. Methods and Purpose of Evaluation and Assessment
3. Remote Assessment Considerations
   • Data Collection
   • Triennial Evaluations
   • Initial Evaluations
   • Disclaimer Statement
4. In-Person Assessment Considerations During COVID-19
   • Delegation of testing to non-credentialed personnel (such as a member of a student’s household)
   • In-person testing with students
5. Final Considerations When Assessing Students with Visual Impairments During COVID-19
6. Additional Resources
   • US Department of Education
   • National and California Association of School Psychologists (NASP and CASP) and Other COVID-19 Related Resources
   • Information Specific to Students With Visual Impairments

Read the document.